Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics
Published on: April 12, 2019
Water dissociation on alpha1-hafnium and ytterbium substituted Dawson polyoxotungstates: a density functional theory
Etienne Derat1, Emmanuel Lacôte, Bernold Hasenknopf
1UPMC Univ Paris 06, Laboratoire de chimie organique (UMR CNRS 7611), Institut de chimie moléculaire (FR 2769), C. 229, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France. etienne.derat@upmc.fr
Abstract:
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were devised to get insight into Lewis acidic catalysis by POMs, especially on the intriguing activation of complexed water molecules that was observed in some experimental cases. Computationally, it appears that deprotonation is feasible with [alpha(1)-Hf(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](6-), but not with [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-). This reflects the difference of the electronic structures (diamagnetic for hafnium POM, paramagnetic for ytterbium POM). From a mechanistical point of view, indirect Brønsted catalysis cannot be excluded in the hafnium case, especially for Mannich reactions. But our calculations show that catalysis by [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) (and presumably all the lanthanide series) proceeds through direct complexation of the substrates to the POM.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Crystal Density
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Valence Bond Theory
IR Spectroscopy: Hooke's Law Approximation of Molecular Vibration
According to Hooke's law, the vibrational frequency is directly proportional to the...
Hydrogen Bonds

